Antidiabetic agents

ABSTRACT

Compounds of formula I:                    
     wherein X, E, and R′ have any of the values defined in the specification, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, lower blood glucose levels and are useful for treating diseases in mammals such as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions, processes for preparing compounds of formula (I) and intermediates useful for preparing compounds of formula I.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/370,455 filed on Apr. 5, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds that are useful as antidiabetic agents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Type II diabetes, or non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) is a significant healthcare problem whose incidence is on the rise. Between 1990 and 1998, the prevalence of NIDDM in the United States increased by 33 percent, to about 13 million persons. An additional 5 million persons are presumed to have undiagnosed NIDDM, while another 14 million persons have impaired glucose tolerance. Direct medical costs associated with diabetes were $44 billion in 1997, due mainly to hyperglycemia-related diabetic complications, including diabetic angiopathy, atherosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic ocular complications such as retinopathy, cataract formation, and glaucoma.

NIDDM is one of a number of disease states associated with the phenomenon of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is defined as the reduced sensitivity to the actions of insulin in the whole body or individual tissues, such as skeletal muscle tissue, myocardial tissue, fat tissue or liver tissue. Insulin resistance occurs in many individuals with or without diabetes mellitus. Insulin resistance syndrome (hereinafter IRS) refers to the cluster of manifestations that include insulin resistance; hyperinsulinemia; non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM); arterial hypertension; central (visceral) obesity; and dyslipidemia.

The primary goal of IRS therapy and thus diabetes therapy is to lower blood glucose levels so as to prevent acute and long-term disease complications. For some persons, modified diet and increased exercise may be a successful therapeutic option for achieving the goal of glucose control. When modified diet and increased exercise are not successful, drug therapy using oral antidiabetic agents is initiated.

To date, a number of oral antidiabetic agents have been developed. For instance, sulfonylureas are generally used to stimulate insuln. The biguanide metformin is generally used to improve insulin sensitivity and to decrease hepatic glucose output. Acarbose is used to limit postprandial hyperglycemia, Thiazolidine 2,4 diones are used to enhance insulin action.

New drug therapies for the treatment of NIDDM have focused in part on the discovery of new Peroxisome Proliferator Activation Recpetor (PPAR) agonists. PPARs are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors that includes steroid, thyroid, and vitamin D receptors. PPARs play a role in controlling expression of proteins that regulate lipid metabolism. There are three PPAR subtypes: PPARα, PPARδ, and PPARγ.

Each PPAR receptor shows a different pattern of tissue expression, and differences in activation by structurally diverse compounds. PPARγ, for instance, is expressed most abundantly in adipose tissue and at lower levels in skeletal muscle, heart, liver, intestine, kidney, vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells as well as macrophages. Two isoforms of PPARγ exist, identified as γ₁ and γ₂, respectively. PPARγ mediates adipocyte signalling, lipid storage, and fat metabolism. Evidence gathered to date support the conclusion that PPARγ is the primary, and perhaps the only, molecular target mediating the insulin sensitizing action of one class of antidiabetic agents, the thiazolidine 2,4 diones.

In a monotherapeutic or combination therapy context, new and established oral antidiabetic agents are still considered to have non-uniform and even limited effectiveness. The effectivieness of oral antidiabetic therapies may be limited, in part, because of poor or limited glycemic control, or poor patient compliance due to unacceptable side effects. These side effects include edema weight gain, or even more serious complications. For instance, hypoglycemia is observed in some patients taking sulfonylureas. Metformin, a substituted biguanide, can cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort. Finally, edema, weight gain, and in some cases, hepatoxicity, have been linked to the administration of some thiazolidine 2,4 dione antidiabetic agents. Combination therapy using two or more of the above agents is common, but generally only leads to incremental improvements in glycemic control.

As a result, there is a need for oral antidiabetic agents that can be used alone or in combination, and that do not give rise to side effects such as fluid retention, peripheral edema, weight gain, or more severe complications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other needs are met by the current invention which is a compound of formula (I)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

X is a tether 2 to 5 atoms in length,

wherein 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the atoms of the tether are O, S, or NR₁, wherein R₁ is H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl, and wherein the other atoms are CR₂R₃, CR₄═CR₅, or C≡C, wherein R₂ and R₃ taken together are ═O, or R₂-R₅ are each independently H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl;

R′ is H,

C₁-C₇ alkyl and substituted alkyl,

C₂-C₇ alkenyl and substituted alkenyl,

C₂-C₇ alkynyl and substituted alkynyl,

C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl and substituted cycloalkyl,

aryl and substituted aryl,

heterocyclic and substituted heterocyclic,

heteroaryl and substituted heteroaryl,

halo,

NO₂,

NO,

CN,

OR_(a),

 wherein R_(a) is H,

C₁-C₇ alkyl and substituted alkyl,

C₂-C₇ alkenyl and substituted alkenyl,

C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl and substituted cycloalkyl,

aryl and substituted aryl,

heteroaryl and substituted heteroaryl, or

heterocycloalkyl and substituted heterocycloalkyl;

E is COR₆, wherein R₆ is (C₁-C₆)alkyl, OH, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, NR₇R₈,

wherein R₇ and R₈ are each independently H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl, or

one of R₇ and R₈ is H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl and the other is SO₂R₉,

wherein R₉ is H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl, or E is substituted heteroaryl or

What is also provided is a compound of formula (II):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

R″ is H,

C₁-C₇ alkyl and substituted alkyl,

C₂-C₇ alkenyl and substituted alkenyl,

C₂-C₇ alkynyl and substituted alkynyl,

C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl and substituted cycloalkyl,

aryl and substituted aryl,

heterocyclic and substituted heterocyclic, and

heteroaryl and substituted heteroaryl;

E is COR₆, wherein R₆ is (C₁-C₆)alkyl, OH, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, NR₇R₈,

wherein R₇ and R₈ are each independently H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl, or

one of R₇ and R₈ is H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl and the other is SO₂R₉,

wherein R₉ is H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl, or E is substituted heteroaryl or

What is also provided is a compound which is:

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyridin-2-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(hydroxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-{2-Hydroxy-4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid ethyl ester;

3-{2-Hydroxy-4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acrylic acid ethyl ester;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyridin-3-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(methoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyridin-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyridin-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(phenyloxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(phenyloxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(cyclohexyloxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(cyclohexylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(cyclopentylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyrrolidine-1-ylethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(morpholine-1-ylethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(allyloxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(propoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-y)-ethoxy]-2-(propargyloxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyrid-2-yloxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyridin-3-yloxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyrid-4-yloxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-[3-(4-methylpiperazin-1)-propoxy]-phenyl]-propionic acid; or

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(3-morpholine-4-ylpropoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid.

What is also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formulas I or II.

What is also provided is a method of treating, preventing or controlling non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesteremia, atherosclerosis, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperinsulinemia in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of any of formulas I or II.

What is also provided is a method of treating a patient suffering from abnormal insulin and/or evidence of glucose disorders associated with circulating glucocorticoids, growth hormone, catecholamines, glucagon, or parathyroid hormone, comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formulas I or II.

What is also provided is a method of reducing body weight in an obese mammal comprising administering to the mammal in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of formulas I or II.

The invention also provides a process for preparing a compound of the invention, comprising:

(a) formation of the α,β unsaturated ester from the aldehyde;

(b) hydrogenation of the double bond in the α,β unsaturated ester;

(c) saponification of the ester with base to provide the acid;

(d) O-alkylation at the phenoxy moiety to provide an invention compound.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following definitions are used, unless otherwise described: halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo. Alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, etc. denote both straight and branched groups; but reference to an individual radical such as “propyl” embraces only the straight chain radical, a branched chain isomer such as “isopropyl” being specifically referred to.

The term “alkyl” means a straight or branched hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms and includes, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, 2-isopropylheptyl.

The term “cycloalkyl” means a hydrocarbon ring containing from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cycloctyl, decalinyl, norpinanyl, and adamantyl. Where possible, the cycloalkyl group may contain double bonds, for example, 3-cyclohexen-1-yl. The cycloalkyl ring may be unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkoxy, hydroxy, thiol, nitro, halogen, amino, alkyl and dialkylamino, formyl, carboxyl, CN, —NH—CO—R′, —CO—NHR′—, —CO₂R′, —COR′, aryl, or heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl are as defined herein. Examples of substituted cycloalkyl groups include fluorocyclopropyl, 2-iodocyclobutyl, 2,3-dimethylcyclopentyl, 2,2-dimethoxycyclohexyl, and 3-phenylcyclopentyl.

The term “heterocycloalkyl” means a monocyclic, fused, bridged, or spiro bicyclic heterocyclic ring systems. Monocyclic heterocyclic rings contain from about 3 to 12 ring atoms, with from 1 to 5 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and preferably from 3 to 7 member atoms, in the ring. Bicyclic heterocyclics contain from 7 to 17 member atoms, preferably 7 to 12 member atoms, in the ring. Bicyclic heterocyclics contain from about 7 to about 17 ring atoms, preferably from 7 to 12 ring atoms. Bicyclic heterocyclics rings may be fused, spiro, or bridged ring systems. Examples of heterocyclic groups include cyclic ethers (oxiranes) such as ethyleneoxide, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, and substituted cyclic ethers, wherein the substituents are those described above for the alkyl and cycloalkyl groups. Typical substituted cyclic ethers include propyleneoxide, phenyloxirane (styrene oxide), cis-2-butene-oxide (2,3-dimethyloxirane), 3-chlorotetrahydrofuran, 2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dioxane, and the like. Heterocycles containing nitrogen are groups such as pyrrolidine, piperidine, piperazine, tetrahydrotriazine, tetrahydropyrazole, and substituted groups such as 3-aminopyrrolidine, 4-methylpiperazin-1-yl, and the like. Typical sulfur containing heterocycles include tetrahydrothiophene, dihydro-1,3-dithiol-2-yl, and hexahydrothiepin-4-yl. Other commonly employed heterocycles include dihydro-oxathiol-4-yl, tetrahydro-oxazolyl, tetrahydro-oxadiazolyl, tetrahydro-dioxazolyl, tetrahydro-oxathiazolyl, hexahydrotriazinyl, tetrahydro-oxazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, tetrahydropyrimidinyl, dioxolinyl, octahydrobenzofuranyl, octahydrobenzimidazolyl, and octahydrobenzothiazolyl. For heterocycles containing sulfur, the oxidized sulfur heterocycles containing SO or SO₂ groups are also included. Examples include the sulfoxide and sulfone forms of tetrahydrothiophene.

The term “aryl” means a cyclic or polycyclic aromatic ring having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms, and being unsubstituted or substituted with up to 3 of the substituent groups recited above for alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl. Examples of aryl groups include phenyl, 2,6-dichlorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, naphthyl, 4-thionaphthyl, tetralinyl, anthracinyl, phenanthrenyl, benzonaphthenyl, fluorenyl, 2-acetamidofluoren-9-yl, and 4′-bromobiphenyl.

The term “heteroaryl” means an aromatic cyclic or fused polycyclic ring system having from 1 to 8 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. The heteroaryl groups or fused heteroaryl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from those described above for alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl, for example, cyanothienyl and formylpyrrolyl.

Typical heteroaryl groups include 2- or 3-thienyl, 2- or 3-furyl, 2- or 3-pyrrolyl, 2-, 4-, or 5-imidazolyl, 3-, 4-, or 5-pyrazolyl, 2-, 4- or 5-hiazolyl, 3-, 4-, or 5-isothiazolyl, 2-, 4-, or 5-oxazolyl, 3-, 4-, or 5-isoxazolyl, 3- or 5-1,2,4-triazolyl, 4- or 5-1,2,3-triazolyl, tetrazolyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, 3- or 4-pyridazinyl, 3-, 4-, or 5-pyrazinyl, 2-pyrazinyl, 2-, 4-, or 5-pyrimidinyl.

Aromatic fused heteroaryl groups of from 8 to 20 atoms include but are not limited to 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-indolizinyl, 1-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-isoindolyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-indolyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-indazolyl, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-purinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 7-, 8-, or 9-quinolizinyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-quinoliyl, 1-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-isoquinoliyl, 1-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-phthalazinyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-naphthyridinyl, 2-, 3-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-quinazolinyl, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-cinnolinyl, 2-, 4-, 6-, or 7-pteridinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-4αH carbazolyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-carbzaolyl, 1-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, or 9-carbolinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, or 10-phenanthridinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, or 9-acridinyl, 1-, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, or 9-perimidinyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 8-, 9-, or 10-phenathrolinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 7-, 8-, or 9-phenazinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, or 10-phenothiazinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, or 10-phenoxazinyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 1-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, or 10-benzisoqinolinyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, or thieno[2,3-b]furanyl, 2-, 3-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, or 11-7H-pyrazino[2,3-c]carbazolyl, 2-, 3-, 5-, 6-, or 7-2H-furo[3,2-b]-pyranyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 7-, or 8-5H-pyrido[2,3-d]-o-oxazinyl, 1-, 3-, or 5-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]-oxazolyl, 2-, 4-, or 5-4H-imidazo[4,5-d]thiazolyl, 3-, 5-, or 8-pyrazino[2,3-d]pyridazinyl, 2-, 3-, 5-, or 6-imidazo[2,1-b]thiazolyl, 1-, 3-, 6-, 7-, 8-, or 9-furo[3,4-c]cinnolinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 8-, 9-, 10, or 11-4H-pyrido[2,3-c]carbazolyl, 2-, 3-, 6-, or 7-imidazo[1,2-b][1,2,4]triazinyl, 7-benzo[b]thienyl, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-benzoxazolyl, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-benzimidazolyl, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-benzothiazolyl, 1-, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, or 9-benzoxapinyl, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-benzoxazinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, or 11-1H-pyrrolo[1,2-b][2]benzazapinyl. Typical fused heteroary groups include, but are not limited to 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-quinolinyl, 1-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-isoquinolinyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-indolyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-benzo[b]thienyl, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-benzoxazolyl, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-benzimidazolyl, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-benzothiazolyl.

The alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl can be substituted with 1 to 4 groups selected from halo, hydroxy, cyano, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, nitro, nitroso, amino, C₁-C₆ alkylamino, di-C₁-C₆ alkylamino, carboxy, C₁-C₆ C₁-C₆ alkanoyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, halomethyl, dihalomethyl, trihalomethyl, haloethyl, dihaloethyl, trihaloethyl, tetrahaloethyl, pentahaloethyl, thiol, (C₁-C₄)alkylsulfanyl, (C₁-C₄)alkylsulfinyl, and aminosulfonyl. Examples of substituted alkyl groups include fluoromethyl, tribromomethyl, hydroxymethyl, 3-methoxypropyl, 3-carboxypentyl, 3,5-dibromo-6-aminocarbonyldecyl, and 4-ethylsulfinyloctyl.

The term “prodrug” denotes a compound that is converted in vivo to an active compound. The term “prodrug group” denotes a moiety that is converted in vivo into the active compound of formula I wherein E is substituted heteroaryl or —CO₂H. Such groups are generally known in the art and include ester forming groups, that form an ester prodrug, such as benzyloxy, di(C₁-C₆)alkylaminoethyloxy, acetoxymethyl, pivaloyloxymethyl, phthalidoyl, ethoxycarbonyloxyethyl, 5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxol-4-yl methyl, and (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionally substituted by N-morpholino and amide-forming groups such as di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino. Other prodrug groups include C₁-C₆ alkoxy, and O⁻M⁺ where M⁺ represents a cation. Preferred cations include sodium, potassium, and ammonium. Other cations include magnesium and calcium. Further prodrug groups include O^(═)M⁺⁺, where M⁺⁺ is a divalent cation such as magnesium or calcium.

The term “diabetes” refers to one metabolic disorder in which there is impaired glucose utilization inducing hyperglycemia. An overview of the pathogenesis and morphology of diabetes and its late complications is available to practitioneres of the art, for instance, in Robins' Pathologic Basis of Disease (5^(th) Ed. pp. 910-922). Other metabolic disorders associated with impaired glucose utilization and insulin resistance include IRS, described previously. In addition to the major late-stage complications of NIDDM (diabetic angiopathy, atherosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic ocular complications such as retinopathy, cataract formation and glaucoma), many other conditions are linked to NIDDM, including dyslipidemia glucocortcoid induced insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, polycysitic ovarian syndrome, obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypercholerteremia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertension. Brief definitions of these conditions are available in any medical dictionary, for instance, Stedman's Medical Dictionary (Xth Ed.).

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that compounds of the invention having a chiral center may exist in and be in optically active and racemic forms. Some compounds may exhibit polymorphism. It is to be understood that the present invention encompasses any racemic, optically-active, polymorphic, or stereoisomeric form, or mixtures thereof, of a compound of the invention, which possess the useful properties described herein, it being well known in the art how to prepare optically active forms (for example, by resolution of the racemic form by recrystallization techniques, by synthesis from optically-active starting materials, by chiral synthesis, or by chromatographic separation using a chiral stationary phase) and how to determine activity or cytotoxicity using the standard tests described herein, or using other similar tests which are well known in the art.

Specific and preferred values listed below for radicals, substituents, and ranges, are for illustration only; they do not exclude other defined values or other values within defined ranges for the radicals and substituents.

Specifically, (C₁-C₆)alkyl can be methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, pentyl, 3-pentyl, or hexyl; (C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl can be cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, or cycloheptyl; aryl can be phenyl, indenyl, or naphthyl; (C₃-C₇)heterocyclo can be pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, furanyl, pyranyl, thiofuranyl, and thiopyranyl; and heteroaryl can be furyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, triazinyl, oxazoyl, isoxazoyl, thiazolyl, isothiazoyl, pyrazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazinyl, tetrazolyl, pyridyl, (or its N-oxide), thienyl, pyrimidinyl (or its N-oxide), indolyl, isoquinolyl (or its N-oxide) or quinolyl (or its N-oxide).

Referring to the compound of formula (I), a specific value for X is —(CH₂)₃—. Another specific value for X is —N(Me)—(CH₂)₂O—. Another specific value of X is —(CH₂)₂—. Another specific value for X is —CH₂—C≡C—. Another specific value for X is —C≡C—. Another specific value for X is —S—(CH₂)₂—O—. Another specific value for X is —N(Me)—(CH₂)₃—. —N(Me)—(CH₂)₂—C═C—. Another specific value for X is —CH₂—C═C—. Another specific value for X is —CH₂—O—. Another specific value for X is —(CH₂)₂—(═O)—.

A specific value for E is carboxy. Another specific value for E is carbomethoxy. Another specific value for E is carboethoxy. Another specific value for E is methylformamido. Another specific value for E is acylsulfonamide. Another specific value for E is substituted heteroaryl or 2-ethyl 1, 3, 4, oxadiazolyl or 2-ethyl 1, 3, 4, oxadiazolyl.

A specific value for R′ is OH or OMe, Another specific value for R′ is

wherein “” indicates the point of attachment. Another specific value for R′ is

Another specific value for R′ is

Another specific value for R′ is

Another specific value for R′ is

Another specific value for R′ is

Another specific value for R′ is

Another specific value for R′ is

Referring to the compound of formula (II), a specific value for X is —(CH₂)₃—. Another specific value for X is —N(Me)—(CH₂)₂O—. Another specific value of X is —(CH₂)₂—O—. Another specific value for X is —CH₂—C≡C—. Another specific value for X is —C≡C—. Another specific value for X is —S—(CH₂)₂—O—. Another specific value for X is —N(Me)—(CH₂)₃—. —N(Me)—(CH₂)₂—C═C—. Another specific value for X is —C₂—C═C—. Another specific value for X is —CH₂—O—. Another specific value for X is —(CH₂)₂—C(═O)—.

A specific value for E is carboxy. Another specific value for E is carbomethoxy. Another specific value for E is carboethoxy. Another specific value for E is methylformamido. Another specific value for E is acylsulfonamide. Another specific value for E is substituted heteroaryl or 2-ethyl 1, 3, 4, oxadiazolyl or 2-ethyl 1, 3, 4, oxadiazolyl.

A specific value for R′ is OH or OMe, Another specific value for R′ is

wherein “”

indicates the point of attachment. Another specific value for R′ is

Another specific value for R′ is

Another specific value for R′ is

Another specific value for R′ is

Another specific value for R′ is

Another specific value for R′ is

Another specific value for R′ is

Processes and novel intermediates for preparing compounds of formula I are provided as further embodiments of the invention and are illustrated by the following procedures in which the meanings of the generic radicals are as given above unless otherwise qualified.

Scheme 1 depicts one approach to preparing compounds of the invention which are compounds of formula II. Thus the aldehyde starting material, the synthesis of which is disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Ser. No. 60/315,728 filed on Aug. 29, 2001 which is assigned to the same assignee as the present application, undergoes a coupling reaction or the like to provide the unsaturated ethyl ester. The double bond is hydrogenated, and the ester moiety is saponified. O-alkylation of the phenoxy moiety using an alkylating agent R′—X, wherein X is a leaving group, provides a compound of the invention.

Certain compounds of formula I are useful as intermediates for preparing other compounds of formula I. It is also noted that compounds of formula I can be prepared using protecting groups and protecting group chemistry. The appropriate use and choice of protecting groups is well-known by one skilled in the art, and is not limited to the specific examples below. It is also to be understood that such groups not only serve to protect chemically reactive sites, but also to enhance solubility or otherwise change physical properties. A good general reference for protecting group preparation and deprotection is “Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis” by T. W. Green and P. G. Wuts. A number of general reactions such as oxidations and reductions etc. are not shown in detail but can be done by methods understood by one skilled in the art. General transformations are well-reviewed in “Comprehensive Organic Transformation” by Richard Larock, and the series “Compendium of Organic Synthetic Methods” published by Wiley-Interscience. In general, the starting materials are obtained from commercial sources unless otherwise indicated.

Some of the compounds of Formula I are capable of further forming pharmaceutically acceptable acid-addition and/or base salts. All of these forms are within the scope of the present invention.

Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of the compounds of formula I include salts derived from nontoxic inorganic acids such as hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric, sulfuric, hydrobromic, hydriodic, hydrofluoric, phosphorous, and the like, as well as the salts derived from nontoxic organic acids, such as aliphatic mono- and dicarboxylic acids, phenyl-substituted alkanoic acids, hydroxy alkanoic acids, alkanedioic acids, aromatic acids, aliphatic and aromatic sulfonic acids, etc. Such salts thus include sulfate, pyrosulfate, bisulfate, sulfite, bisulfite, nitrate, phosphate, monohydrogenphosphate, dihydrogen phosphate, metaphosphate, pyrophosphate, acetate, trifluoroacetate, propionate, caprylate, isobutyrate, oxalate, malonate, succinates suberate, sebacate, fumarate, maleate, mandelate, benzoate, chlorobenzoate, methylbenzoate, dinitrobenzoate, phthalate, benzensoulfonate, toluenesulfonate, phenylacetate, citrate, lactate, maleate, tartrate, methanesulfonate, and the like. Also contemplated are salts of amino acids such as arginate and the like and gluconate, galacturonate (see, for example, Berge, S. M. et al., “Pharmaceutical Salts,” Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, 1977;66:1-19).

The acid addition salt of basic compounds are prepared by contacting the free base form with a sufficient amount of the desired acid to produce the salt in the conventional manner.

Pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts are formed with metals or amines, such as alkali and alkaline earth metals or organic amines. Examples of metals used as cations are sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and the like. Examples of suitable amines are N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine, chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine, dicyclohexylamine, ethylenediamine, N-methylglucamine, and procaine (see, for example, Berge, S. M., supra., 1977).

The base addition salts of acidic compounds are prepared by contacting the free acid form with a sufficient amount of the desired base to produce the salt in the conventional manner.

Certain of the compounds of the present invention can exist in unsolvated forms as well as solvated forms, including hydrated forms. In general, the solvated forms, including hydrated forms, are equivalent to unsolvated forms and are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

Certain of the compounds of the present invention possess one or more chiral centers and each center may exist in the R(D) or S(L) configuration. The present invention includes all enantiomeric and epimeric forms, as well as the appropriate mixtures thereof.

The compounds of formula I can be formulated as pharmaceutical compositions and administered to a mammalian host, such as a human patient in a variety of forms adapted to the chosen route of administration, i.e., orally or parenterally, by intravenous, intramuscular, topical or subcutaneous routes.

Thus, the present compounds may be systemically administered, e.g., orally, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle such as an inert, diluent or an assimilable edible carrier. They may be enclosed in hard or soft shell gelatin capsules, may be compressed into tablets, or may be incorporated directly with the food of the patient's diet. For oral therapeutic administration, the active compound may be combined with one or more excipients and used in the form of ingestible tablets, buccal tablets, troches, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, syrups, wafers, and the like. Such compositions and preparations should contain at least 0.1% of active compound. The percentage of the compositions and preparations may, of course, be varied and may conveniently be between about 2 to about 60% of the weight of a given unit dosage form. The amount of active compound in such therapeutically useful compositions is such that an effective dosage level will be obtained.

The tablets, troches, pills, capsules, and the like may also contain the following: binders such as gum tragacanth, acacia, corn starch or gelatin; excipients such as dicalcium phosphate; a disintegrating agent such as corn starch, potato starch, alginic acid and the like; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate; and a sweetening agent such as sucrose, fructose, lactose or aspartame or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, oil of wintergreen, or cherry flavoring may be added. When the unit dosage form is a capsule, it may contain, in addition to materials of the above type, a liquid carrier, such as a vegetable oil or a polyethylene glycol. Various other materials may be present as coatings or to otherwise modify the physical form of the solid unit dosage form. For instance, tablets, pills, or capsules may be coated with gelatin, wax, shellac or sugar and the like. A syrup or elixir may contain the active compound, sucrose or fructose as a sweetening agent, methyl and propylparabens as preservatives, a dye and flavoring such as cherry or orange flavor. Of course, any material used in preparing any unit dosage form should be pharmaceutically acceptable and substantially non-toxic in the amounts employed. In addition, the active compound may be incorporated into sustained-release preparations and devices.

The active compound may also be administered intravenously or intraperitoneally by infusion or injection. Solutions of the active compound or its salts can be prepared in water, optionally mixed with a nontoxic surfactant. Dispersions can also be prepared in glycerol, liquid polyethylene glycols, triacetin, and mixtures thereof and in oils. Under ordinary conditions of storage and use, these preparations contain a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

The pharmaceutical dosage forms suitable for injection or infusion can include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions or sterile powders comprising the active ingredient which are adapted for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable or infusible solutions or dispersions, optionally encapsulated in liposomes. In all cases, the ultimate dosage form must be sterile, fluid and stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage. The liquid carrier or vehicle can be a solvent or liquid dispersion medium comprising, for example, water, ethanol, a polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycols, and the like), vegetable oils, nontoxic glyceryl esters, and suitable mixtures thereof. The proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the formation of liposomes, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions or by the use of surfactants. The prevention of the action of microorganisms can be brought about by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like. In many cases, it will be preferable to include orotonic agents, for example, sugars, buffers or sodium chloride. Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by the use in the compositions of agents delaying absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.

Sterile injectable solutions are prepared by incorporating the active compound in the required amount in the appropriate solvent with various of the other ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filter sterilization. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, the preferred methods of preparation are vacuum drying and the freeze drying techniques, which yield a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient present in the previously sterile-filtered solutions.

For topical administration, the present compounds may be applied in pure form, i.e., when they are liquids. However, it will generally be desirable to administer them to the skin as compositions or formulations, in combination with a dermatologically acceptable carrier, which may be a solid or a liquid.

Useful solid carriers include finely divided solids such as talc, clay, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, alumina and the like. Useful liquid carriers include water, alcohols or glycols or water-alcohol/glycol blends, in which the present compounds can be dissolved or dispersed at effective levels, optionally with the aid of non-toxic surfactants. Adjuvants such as fragrances and additional antimicrobial agents can be added to optimize the properties for a given use. The resultant liquid compositions can be applied from absorbent pads, used to impregnate bandages and other dressings, or sprayed onto the affected area using pump-type or aerosol sprayers.

Thickeners such as synthetic polymers, fatty acids, fatty acid salts and esters, fatty alcohols, modified celluloses or modified mineral materials can also be employed with liquid carriers to form spreadable pastes, gels, ointments, soaps, and the like, for application directly to the skin of the user.

Examples of useful dermatological compositions which can be used to deliver the compounds of formula I to the skin are known to the art; for example, see Jacquet et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,392), Geria (U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,478), Smith et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,157) and Wortzman (U.S. Pat. No. 4,820,508).

Useful dosages of the compounds of formula I can be determined by comparing their in vitro activity, and in vivo activity in animal models. Methods for the extrapolation of effective dosages in mice, and other animals, to humans are known to the art; for example, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,949.

Generally, the concentration of the compound(s) of formula I in a liquid composition, such as a lotion, will be from about 0.1-25 wt-%, preferably from about 0.5-10 wt-%. The concentration in a semi-solid or solid composition such as a gel or a powder will be about 0.1-5 wt-%, preferably about 0.5-2.5 wt-%.

The amount of the compound, or an active salt or derivative thereof, required for use in treatment will vary not only with the particular salt selected but also with the route of administration, the nature of the condition being treated and the age and condition of the patient and will be ultimately at the discretion of the attendant physician or clinician.

In general, however, a suitable dose will be in the range of from about 0.005 to about 100 mg/kg, e.g., from about 0.1 to about 75 mg/kg of body weight per day, such as 0.03 to about 50 mg per kilogram body weight of the recipient per day, preferably in the range of 0.06 to 90 mg/kg/day, most preferably in the range of 0.15 to 60 mg/kg/day.

The compound may conveniently be administered in unit dosage form; for example, containing 0.05 to 1000 mg, conveniently 0.1 to 750 mg, most conveniently, 0.5 to 500 mg of active ingredient per unit dosage form.

Ideally, the active ingredient should be administered to achieve peak plasma concentrations of the active compound of from about 0.005 to about 75 μM, preferably, about 0.01 to 50 μM, most preferably, about 0.02 to about 30 μM. This may be achieved, for example, by the intravenous injection of a 0.0005 to 5% solution of the active ingredient, optionally in saline, or orally administered as a bolus containing about 0.01-1 mg of the active ingredient. Desirable blood levels may be maintained by continuous infusion to provide about 0.0001-5 mg/kg/hr or by intermittent infusions containing about 0.004-15 mg/kg of the active ingredient(s).

The desired dose may conveniently be presented in a single dose or as divided doses administered at appropriate intervals, for example, as two, three, four or more sub-doses per day. The sub-dose itself may be further divided, e.g., into a number of discrete loosely spaced administrations; such as multiple inhalations from an insufflator or by application of a plurality of drops into the eye.

The antidiabetes ability of a compound of the invention is demonstrated using pharmacological models that are well known to the art, for example, using models such as the tests described below.

TEST A—3T3-L1 Adipocyte Differentiation Assay (ADPDIFF)

This assay is used to determine the potential of putative PPAR-γ ligands to induce fat cell differentiation. A quantitative method was established for determining the ability of potential PPAR-γ ligands to promote adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes are plated onto 96 well plates (20,000 cells per well). Upon confluency, the compounds which were initially scored as positives from the PPAR-γ ligand displacement and PPAR-γ chimeric receptor transcription assays were added for 4 days with the final concentrations of 2.5, 5.0 and 10 μM (n=3). Each plate contains positive controls (5 uM BRL 49653 and 5 uM Troglitazone) and a vehicle control (DMSO). Cells are replenished with FBS containing media on day 5 of post-drug treatment and incubated for additional 4-6 days. Cells are stained with BODIPY a fluorescent lipophilic stain to quantitate the lipid content of the cells. The assay is optimized for a 96-well plate format. Approximately after 10 days of post-drug treatment, cells are fixed in 3% formalin solution for 15 min followed by staining with BODIPY (80 μg/ml) for 20 min at room temperature. The plate is then put through the CYTOFLUOR instrument to measure the fluorescence of BODIPY (excitation=485/20; emission=530/25). A template is created in a spread sheet to calculate the average value of BODIPY measurements and reported as % of BRL 49653 at 5 μM.

TEST B—ANTCV1 Antagonist Transcription Assay

The ANTCV1 transcription assay is an in vitro assay in which CV-1 cells, an African green monkey kidney cell line, are transfected with a luciferase reporter construct comprised of a fragment of the fatty acid binding protein (FATP) promoter located upstream of the TK TATA box. Transfection efficiency is controlled by co-transfection of the reference plasmid CMV β-galactosidase. The DNAs are transiently transfected into the cells by electroporation and the cells are plated into 96-well dishes. Test compounds are diluted to final concentration of 25 μM in individual wells containing 300 nM BRL. Control wells include either the 0.5% DMSO vehicle control, the antagonist PD 0157724-0000 at 25 μM and 300 nM BRL, or 300 nM BRL alone. Cells are incubated with both the drugs for 48 hrs and then harvested. The lysates are measured for luciferase and β-galactosidase activities using the dual luciferase kit from Tropix on a EG&G Berthold MicroLumat LB96P luminometer. The fold activation of BRL 49653 in each assay must be above 4 in order for the assay to be considered valid.

Raw numbers are transferred to an Excel spreadsheet and luciferase/β-galactosidase ratios are determined for each compound. The percent BRL 49653 inhibition for each compound is calculated by dividing the luciferase/β-galactosidase ratio for each compound by the luciferase/β-galactosidase ratio of the DMSO vehicle control. This number is then plugged into the following equation: % BRL inhibition =(BRL fold activation−test compound fold activation & BRL/BRL fold activation −1)×100.

TEST C—CV-1 NATIVE RECEPTORS TRANSCRIPTION ASSAY (MKNRCV1)

The purpose of this assay is to identify ligands that activate endogenous nuclear receptors in CV-1 cells. Protocol: CV-1 cells are co-transfected with a luciferase reporter containing a fragment of the FATP promoter upstream the TK TATA box and a CMV beta-galactosidase plasmid. Transfected cells are incubated with test ligands for 48 hours. Cell lysates are harvested and the luciferase and beta-galactosidase activities are determined. Description: Luciferase and beta-galactosidase activities in the cell lysates are measured using an EG&G Berthold luminometer. These values are entered into and Excel worksheet which calculates the luciferase to beta-galactosidase ratios and expresses the data as percent activity of the reference compound, BRL 49653.

TEST D—BLOOD GLUCOSE MEASURMENT (GLUCOSE Δ)

Glucose is obtained 4 hours post dose via tail vein stick (5 μl whole blood) in awake, 4 hour fasted animals. Blood is drawn by capillary action into a glucose cuvette and read in a HemoCue Glucose Analyzer (Ryan Diagnostics). Blood is diluted 1:2 with saline if glucose levels are greater than 400 mg/dl (meter high range) and results multiplied by two.

TEST E—3T3-L1 TRANSIENT REPORTER ASSAY

This assay is used to determine the potential of putative PPAR-γ ligands to activate the promoter/enhancer of the murine aP2 gene. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes are cultured on collagen coated plates in DMEM containing 10% Calf serum for 48 hours post-confluence. The cells are then cultured for approximately 3 days in DMEM containing 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), 0.5-mM methyl isobutylxanthine, 0.25 μM dexamethasone, and 1 μg/ml of insulin. Cells are detached from the plates with Trypsin-EDTA and resuspended in Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS).

The reporter construct used in this assay is comprised of the −5.4 Kb 5′ flanking region of the murine aP2 gene inserted into the cloning site of the TKpGL3 luciferase vector. Transfection efficiency is controlled by co-transfection of the reference plasmid CMV-β-galactosidase. The reporter construct and the reference plasmid are transiently co-transfected into the cells by electroporation. The transfected cells are plated into collagen coated 96-well plates and cultured overnight. Cells are then incubated for 48 hours with the test compounds and then harvested. The lysates are measured for luciferase and β-galactosidase activities using the Dual-Light® luciferase kit from Tropix on a EG&G Berthold MicroLumat LB96P luminometer.

Data are summarized in Table 1.

TABLE 1 AD3T3L1 % Max Structure EC50 (μM) BRL

0.103 108 3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyridin-2-ylmethoxy)- phenyl]-propionic acid

3.4 70 3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(hydroxy)-phenyl]- propionic acid

5.9 74 3-{2-Hydroxy-4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}- propionic acid ethyl ester

In general, compounds of the invention may induce fat cell differentiation as described in test A. Results from test B, in particular, demonstrate that the compounds of the invention may lower glucose levels in mice.

Compounds of the invention induce adipocyte differentiation and lower blood glucose levels. As such, they may be useful in treating disorders associated with insulin resistance. Such disorders include: NIDDM, diabetic angiopathy, atherosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic ocular complications such as retinopathy, cataract formation and glaucoma, as well as glucocortcoid induced insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, polycysitic ovarian syndrome, obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypercholerteremia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertension.

Accordingly, the invention also includes a method for treating a disease in a human or other mammal in need thereof in which insulin resistance has been implicated and glucose lowering is desired, comprising administering to said human or mammal an effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention also includes a method for treating or preventing insulin resistance in a mammal comprising administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Additionally, compounds of the invention can be used in vitro or in vivo as pharmacological and biochemical tools to assist in the discovery and evaluation of other glucose lowering agents and PPARγ agonists.

Esters such as 1-3 are readily hydrolyzed to compounds of the invention. Accordingly, the invention also includes a method of preparing a compound of formula I by hydrolyzing the corresponding ester.

The following non-limiting examples and related biological data are meant to further demonstrate the invention.

EXAMPLES

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyridin-2-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic Acid

3-{2-Hydroxy-4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid ethyl ester (100 mg, 0.25 mmol) and 2-bromomethylpyridine hydrobromide (70 mg, 0.28 mmol) were combined in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (1 mL) and purged with nitrogen. Sodium hydride (60% in mineral oil, 21 mg, 0.53 mmol) was added. After stirring 24 hours, excess LiOH (1 M) was added, and stirring was continued an additional 24 hours. The reaction mixture was evaporated and chromatographed (silica gel, gradient of 5% ethyl acetate in hexanes to 2% methanol in ethyl acetate) to give 8.4 mg of the title compound. MS m/z 487 (M+H)⁺.

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(hydroxy)-phenyl]-propionic Acid

3-{2-Hydroxy-4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid ethyl ester (60 mg, 0.15 mmol) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (5 mL) and treated with LiOH (1 mL, 1M). After stirring 18 hours at ambient temperature, the reaction was evaporated and partitioned between NH₄Cl (sat.) and ethyl acetate. Extraction with ethyl acetate, followed by drying over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, and evaporation of solvent provided 27.1 mg of the title compound. MS m/z 368 (M+H)⁺.

3-{2-Hydroxy-4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic Acid Ethyl Ester

3-{2-Hydroxy-4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acrylic acid ethyl ester (4.0 g, 10.1 mmol) was hydrogenated over 10% palladium on carbon under an atmosphere of hydrogen. Filtration and evaporation provided the title compound in quantitative yield. MS m/z 396 (M+H)⁺.

3-{2-Hydroxy-4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acrylic Acid Ethyl Ester

A solution of 7-hydroxycoumarin (3.39 g, 20.9 mmol), 5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethanol (5.10 g, 25.1 mmol), and triphenylphosphine (6.58 g, 25.1 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (100 mL) was purged with nitrogen and cooled in an ice bath. Diethyl azodicarboxylate (4.9 mL, 31.4 mmol) was added dropwise over 2 minutes. The reaction was allowed to warm to ambient temperature over 18 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and partitioned between ethyl acetate and 5% NaHCO₃. The organic layer was washed with 5% NaHCO₃, water, and brine and dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, and the residue was crystallized from chloroform to provide 7.35 g (89%) of the title compound. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.28 (3H, q, J=7 Hz), 2.38 (3H, s), 3.01 (2H, t, J=7 Hz), 4.20 (2H, q, J=7 Hz), 4.31 (2H, t, J=7 Hz), 6.37 (1H, bs), 6.83 (2H, m), 7.38 (1H, m), 7.41 (4H, m), 7.61 (1H, m), 7.98 (2H, m).

Formulation Examples

The following illustrates representative pharmaceutical dosage forms, containing a compound of Formula I or II, for therapeutic or prophylactic use in humans.

(i) Tablet mg/tablet Invention Compound 25.0 Lactose 50.0 Corn Starch (for mix) 10.0 Corn Starch (paste) 10.0 Magnesium Stearate (1%)  3.0 300.0 

The invention compound, lactose, and corn starch (for mix) are blended to uniformity. The corn starch (for paste) is suspended in 200 mL of water and heated with stirring to form a paste. The paste is used to granulate the mixed powders. The wet granules are passed through a No. 8 hand screen and dried at 80° C. The dry granules are lubricated with the 1% magnesium stearate and pressed into a tablet. Such tablets can be administered to a human from one to four times a day for treatment.

(ii) Tablet mg/capsule Invention Compound  10.0 Colloidal Silicon Dioxide  1.5 Lactose 465.5 Pregelatinized Starch 120.0 Magnesium Stearate (1%)  3.0 600.0 Preparation for (iii) Oral Solution Amount Invention Compound 400 mg Sorbitol Solution (70% N.F.) 40 mL Sodium Benzoate 20 mg Saccharin 5 mg Cherry Flavor 20 mg Distilled Water q.s. 100 mL

The sorbitol solution is added to 40 mL of distilled water, and the biphenylsulfonamide is dissolved therein. The saccharin, sodium benzoate, flavor, and dye are added and dissolved. The volume is adjusted to 100 mL with distilled water. Each milliliter of syrup contains 4 mg of invention compound.

(iv) Parenteral Solution

In a solution of 700 mL of propylene glycol and 200 mL of water for injection is suspended 20 g of the invention compound. After suspension is complete, the pH is adjusted to 6.5 with 1 N hydrochloric acid, and the volume is made up to 1000 mL with water for injection. The Formulation is sterilized, filled into 5.0 mL ampoules each containing 2.0 mL, and sealed under nitrogen.

Amount (v) Injection 1 (1 mg/mL) Invention Compound    1.0 Dibasic Sodium Phosphate    12.0 Monobasic Sodium Phosphate    0.7 Sodium Chloride    4.5 N Sodium hydroxide solution q.s. (pH adjustment to 7.0-7.5) Water for injection q.s. ad 1 mL (vi) Injection 2 (10 mg/mL) Invention Compound    10.0 Dibasic Sodium Phosphate    1.1 Monobasic Sodium Phosphate    0.3 Polyethylene glyco 400   200.0 N hydrochloric acid solution q.s. (pH adjustment to 7.0-7.5) Water for injection q.s. ad 1 mL (vii) Injection 2 (10 mg/mL) Invention Compound    20.0 Oleic Acid    10.0 Trichloromonofluoromethane  5,000.0 Dichlorodifluoromethane 10,000.0 Dichlorotetrafluoroethane  5,000.0.

All patents, and patent documents are incorporated by reference herein, as though individually incorporated by reference. The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula (I)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: X is a tether 2 to 5 atoms in length, wherein 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the atoms of the tether are O, S, or NR₁, wherein R₁ is H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl, and wherein the other atoms are CR₂R₃, CR₄═CR₅, or C≡C, wherein R₂ and R₃ taken together are ═O, or R₂-R₅ are each independently H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl; E is COR₆, wherein R₆ is (C₁-C₆)alkyl, OH, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, NR₇R₈, wherein R₇ and R₈ are each independently H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl, or one of R₇ and R₈ is H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl and the other is SO₂R₉, wherein R₉ is H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl, or E is substituted heteroaryl or

R′ is H, C₁-C₇ alkyl and substituted alkyl, C₂-C₇ alkenyl and substituted alkenyl, C₂-C₇ alkynyl and substituted alkynyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl and substituted cycloalkyl, aryl and substituted aryl, heterocyclic and substituted heterocyclic, heteroaryl and substituted heteroaryl, halo, NO₂, NO, CN, OR_(a),

 wherein R_(a) is H, C₁-C₇ alkyl and substituted alkyl, C₂-C₇ alkenyl and substituted alkenyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl and substituted cycloalkyl, aryl and substituted aryl, heteroaryl and substituted heteroaryl, or heterocycloalkyl and substituted heterocycloalkyl.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein X is —(CH₂)₃—, —N(Me)—, (CH₂)₂O—, —(CH₂)₂—O—, —C≡C—, —S—(CH₂)₂—O—, —N(Me)—(CH₂)₃—, —N(Me)—(CH₂)₂—C═C—, —CH₂—C═C—, —CH₂—O—, or —(CH₂)₂—C(═O)—.
 3. The compound of claim 1 wherein E is CO₂H, carbomethoxy, carboethoxy, methylformamido, acylsulfonamido, substituted heteroaryl, 2-ethyl 1, 3, 4, oxadiazolyl or 2-ethyl 1, 3, 4, oxadiazolyl.
 4. The compound of claim 1, wherein R′ is OH, OMe,

wherein “” indicates the point of attachment.


5. A compound of formula (II):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: E is COR₆, wherein R₆ is (C₁-C₆)alkyl, OH, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, NR₇R₈, wherein R₇ and R₈ are each independently H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl, or one of R₇ and R₈ is H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl and the other is SO₂R₉, wherein R₉ is H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl, or E is substituted heteroaryl or

R′ is H, C₁-C₇ alkyl and substituted alkyl, C₂-C₇ alkenyl and substituted alkenyl, C₂-C₇ alkynyl and substituted alkynyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl and substituted cycloalkyl, aryl and substituted aryl, heterocyclic and substituted heterocyclic, heteroaryl and substituted heteroaryl, halo, NO₂, NO, CN, OR_(a),

 wherein R_(a) is H, C₁-C₇ alkyl and substituted alkyl, C₂-C₇ alkenyl and substituted alkenyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl and substituted cycloalkyl, aryl and substituted aryl, heteroaryl and substituted heteroaryl, or heterocycloalkyl and substituted heterocycloalkyl.
 6. The compound of claim 5 wherein E is CO₂H, carbomethoxy, carboethoxy, methylformamido, acylsulfonamido, substituted heteroaryl, 2-ethyl 1, 3, 4, oxadiazolyl or 2-ethyl 1, 3, 4, oxadiazolyl.
 7. The compound of claim 5, wherein R′ is OH, OMe,

wherein “” indicates the point of attachment.


8. A compound which is:

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyridin-2-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(4-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(hydroxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-{2-Hydroxy-4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid ethyl ester;

3-{2-Hydroxy-4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acrylic acid ethyl ester;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyridin-3-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(methoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyridin-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyridin-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(phenyloxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(phenethyloxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(cyclohexyloxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(cyclohexylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(cyclopentylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyrrolidine-1-ylethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(morpholine-1-ylethoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(allyloxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(propoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(propargyloxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyrid-2-yloxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyridin-3-yloxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(pyrid-4-yloxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid;

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-[3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl]-propionic acid; or

3-[4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-2-(3-morpholine-4-ylpropoxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid.
 9. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 1 admixed with a carrier, diluent, or excipient.
 10. A method of treating, preventing or controlling non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesteremia, atherosclerosis, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperinsulinemia in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of claim
 1. 11. A method of treating a patient suffering from abnormal insulin and/or evidence of glucose disorders associated with circulating glucocorticoids, growth hormone, catecholamines, glucagon, or parathyroid hormone, comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I.
 12. A method of reducing body weight in an obese mammal comprising administering to the mammal in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of claim
 1. 13. A process for preparing a compound of formula I

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: X is a tether 2 to 5 atoms in length, wherein 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the atoms of the tether are O, S, or NR₁, wherein R₁ is H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl, and wherein the other atoms are CR₂R₃, CR₄═CR₅, or C≡C, wherein R₂ and R₃ taken together are ═O, or R₂-R₅ are each independently H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl; E is COR₆, wherein R₆ is (C₁-C₆)alkyl, OH, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, NR₇R₈, wherein R₇ and R₈ are each independently H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl, or one of R₇ and R₈ is H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl and the other is SO₂R₉, wherein R₉ is H or (C₁-C₆)alkyl, or E is substituted heteroaryl or

R′ is H, C₁-C₇ alkyl and substituted alkyl, C₂-C₇ alkenyl and substituted alkenyl, C₂-C₇ alkynyl and substituted alkynyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl and substituted cycloalkyl, aryl and substituted aryl, heterocyclic and substituted heterocyclic, heteroaryl and substituted heteroaryl, halo, NO₂, NO, CN, OR_(a),

 wherein R_(a) is H, C₁-C₇ alkyl and substituted alkyl C₂-C₇ alkenyl and substituted alkenyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl and substituted cycloalkyl, aryl and substituted aryl, heteroaryl and substituted heteroaryl, or heterocycloalkyl and substituted heterocycloalkyl invention, comprising: (a) formation of the α,β unsaturated ester from the aldehyde; (b) hydrogenation of the double bond in the α,β unsaturated ester; (c) saponification of the ester with base to provide the acid; (d) O-alkylation at the phenoxy moiety to provide an invention compound 